As an elderly single woman living in the Coachella Valley in eastern Riverside County, Kathleen Patterson was struggling to make ends meet. Summers, where temperatures are well above 100oF, were a constant worry because she had to save money throughout the year just to pay her electric bill. However, everything changed 3 years ago when Kathleen partnered with GRID Alternatives to receive a 3.5 kW solar electric system at no cost to her.
“At first I couldn’t believe it. I’m a low-income senior and I couldn’t believe that someone low-income could have solar. But now, here I have it and it is wonderful,” said Kathleen. Her solar system, completely financed with solar rebates and funds raised by GRID, will provide her nearly $33,000 in lifetime savings. “I love my solar and the affect it has had on my life and my financial situation here in the Coachella Valley and knowing that I am doing something good for the Earth. For one entire year of electricity, my bill was $100 for the year, unheard of in the Coachella Valley,” she proudly stated.
Through GRID’s education efforts, Kathleen also learned about saving and conserving energy. “I’ve become aware of how little things will eat up your energy. Small appliances that you don’t think about might have some big effect. Unplug them when not in use. If it is time for a new appliance, get an energy efficient one. It doesn’t take all that much energy for a family to live.”
Since receiving the solar system 3 years ago, Kathleen’s quality of life has drastically improved. She used her savings to “get even on her payments and bills” and wants to start home improvement projects that she always wanted to do but never had the money for. And she is no longer worried about those really high summer electric bills! Kathleen is also thrilled that her system, which will prevent 103 tons of greenhouse gas emissions over its 30-year lifetime (equivalent to taking 18 cars off the road for a year or planting 2,430 trees), is good for our planet. Kathleen sees that, with GRID Alternatives, everyone can have access to solar. She urges, “America get with it. Find out about solar. I love my solar and I thank GRID Alternatives for this opportunity.”
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